Delhi High Court Quashes FIRs in Neighbourly Dispute Over Pets
Court Promotes Harmony by Directing Community Service to Resolve Private Feud
In a significant judgment promoting communal harmony, the Delhi High Court, presided by Justice Arun Monga, quashed two FIRs arising from a private dispute between neighbours over the handling of their pets. The court invoked its inherent powers under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to quash FIRs numbered 220/2025 and 221/2025, lodged at Police Station Mansarovar Park.
The FIRs, filed on May 5, 2025, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, arose from a heated altercation between the parties, leading to allegations of assault and intimidation. However, the parties reached an amicable resolution through a Settlement Deed dated July 1, 2025, and approached the court to quash the criminal proceedings.
During the proceedings, the counsel for both petitioners highlighted that the misunderstanding had been resolved, and the parties expressed their willingness to discontinue pursuing the matter. The Advocate Standing Counsel for the State and respondents' counsel concurred with the compromise, raising no objection to the quashing of the FIRs.
Justice Monga, emphasizing the private nature of the dispute, noted that continuing the proceedings would serve no useful purpose and could rekindle hostility. In contrast, quashing the FIRs would foster goodwill between the neighbours. The court deemed it appropriate to invoke its inherent powers to prevent undue hardship and promote societal harmony.
As a condition for quashing the FIRs, the court directed the complainants to undertake community service. Both parties are required to jointly bear the expenses of providing Mix Vegetable Pizzas and Amul Chaach Tetra Packs to the inmates and staff at Sanskar Ashram, Dilshad Garden, Delhi. The complainant from FIR No. 220/2025, who is in the business of baking and selling pizzas, will bake the pizzas for the community service. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and a report on its execution must be filed through the Investigating Officer.
This judgment exemplifies the court's commitment to resolving private disputes amicably while promoting societal harmony through constructive community service.
Bottom Line:
FIRs arising from private disputes can be quashed if the parties have amicably resolved the matter and continuation of criminal proceedings would serve no useful purpose.
Statutory provision(s): Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Arvind Kumar v. State, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2782350
